Cuppa Inspiration

I’ve always been one to believe in the power of suggestion. And I’ve always loved motivational quotes, whether they’re sarcastic and snarky or very serious. That’s why, over the years, family and friends have made certain to supply me with slogan coffee cups to sit on my desk and motivate me while I write. Today, I’d like to share with you my favorites.

Last spring, my daughter and I went to an antique mall and I saw a smiley mug that reminded me very fondly of my youth. I didn’t buy it but I did take a photo of it and talked a lot about the smiley craze to her. Well, for Christmas she got me my own. I love this mug because there is a broad smile on one side, always inspiring. But it’s the other side I really like because it is subversive. The sly, secretive, winking side tells me in no uncertain terms, You’ve got this, you gorgeous, talented, amazing hunk of writer! Now get to it!” Hard to ignore that message for sure, right? 🙂

Best Day Ever! fills me with optimism as I sit down and write, even if the day soon deteriorates into so much dog poo. Yes, yes I can! is the mantra it inspires. The Star Wars mug is a gift from my son–notice that the light sabers light up when filled with a hot beverage. Which is just very cool.

Then, on the last day of edits, I pull out the cup that reminds me I’ve tried my hardest and now it’s time to let go, something I very much need because if it were possible, I’d still be clinging on to the manuscript with my very last breath. I love this mug because when the due date of a manuscript arrives, time’s up and you have to hit that send button.

Plus when you finish your coffee, you get a little surprise in the bottom. I think of this as my little heart attack in the bottom of the cup. It’s a simple exclamation point, which you can take in many ways. Usually, hurry up and get this done and turn it in! or You did it! You finished a book! or just maybe, I wish I could work on this another year. Or two!

Okay, so you may be thinking that maybe writers spend too much time alone. But writing a book is a marathon and as you sit or stand and pluck at the keyboard, you’ve gotta do everything possible to keep yourself going. Might as well get some use out of that container of all that coffee you’re consuming.